Bowling score computer

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for computing and recording bowling scores.

United States Patent Inventor Patrick J. Pollard Warren. -\lich.

Appl. No. 661,395

Filed Aug. 17, 1967 3,289,574 12/1966 Webb 3,295,438 1/1967 Webb 3,310,659 3/1967 Apostle 3,124,355 3/1964 Mentzer Primary ExaminerMaynard R. Wilbur Assistant Examiner- Robert F. Gnuse BOWLING SCORE COMPUTER Attorney-Harness, Dickey and Pierce 24 Claims, 24 Drawing Figs.

11.8. C1 i. 235/92 GA, I 273/54 C Int. Cl 606m 3/06 Field of Search 235 /92; ABSTRACT: Apparatus for computing and recording bowling 273/54 scores.

JZ'TZY/fl)? 57 7615 7 fix]! 7 .57 fl/ I! .gzilgzzar 2w; *1 |1*"" 1 r Kti0r I. r, M! C 1 Z YY/ 1; 335 59? 7?] w 2211! xi/r4! 4W E r/1217 zirzfor Pp 31" 1 511022; 411:5 7: 14 W741 f tre k r z a 7 BOWLING SCORE COMPUTER The present invention relates to apparatus for computing and recording bowling scores.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide novel apparatus for computing bowling scores.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide novel apparatus for computing and/or recording bowling scores.

The present invention generally is an improvement upon the inventions shown and described in the US. Pat. No. 3,3 10,659, to Apostle, et al., issued Mar. 2 I, 1967.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the apparatus of the-present invention for two lanes and including Detector, Signal Transmitter, Player Selector, Player Computer, and Counter- Printer Stages;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the Detector Stage;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the Player Computer Stage;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the Counter-Printer Stage;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the Detector Stage;

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the Signal Transmitter Stage;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view with some parts shown in section and others broken away of a Signal Transmitter construction;

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the Player Selector Stage;

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the Frame Circuit of the Player Computer Stage;

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of the; Spare Circuit of the Player Computer Stage;

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of the Strike Circuit of the Player Computer Stage;

FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of the Count Circuit of the Player Computer Stage;

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram of the Print Circuit of the Player Computer Stage;

FIG. 14 is a top elevational view with some parts in section and others broken away of the Counter-Printer, including the Pinfall Counter Section, the Frame Symbol Indicator Section, and the Printer Section of the Counter-Printer Stage;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the Counter-Printer of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a right side view of the Counter-Printer of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is' a view to increased scale of the actuating mechanism of the Pinfall Counter Section;

F IG.- I8 is a sectional view to increased scale taken generally along the line 18-18 in FIG. 16 of the Pinfall Counter display wheel;

FIG. 19 is a developed view of the Pinfall Counter display wheel of FIG. 18, as viewed along the line 19-19;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view to increased scale taken generally along the line 20-20 in FIG. 16 of the actuating mechanism for the Pinfall Counter display wheel;

FIG. 21 is a sectional to increased scale taken generally along the line 21-21 in FIG. 16 of the Frame Symbol wheel and actuating mechanism therefor of the Frame Symbol Indicator Section;

FIG. 22 is a developed view of the Frame Symbol wheel of FIG. 21 as viewed along the line 22-22;

FIG. 23 is a view to increased scale of the Score Tape Advance Mechanism of the Counter-Printer of FIGS. 14-16; and

FIG. 24 is an elevational view of a Score Tape for use with the Counter-Printer and including a l0th Frame Signal device.

The block diagram of FIG. 1 illustrates the bowling score computer system for use with two lanes, herein referred to as A and B. A Detector Stage" (shown in block diagram form in FIG. 2) for each lane senses the pinfall and converts it into a number of Pinfall Signals equal to the pinfall for use by the Signal Transmitter Stage" individual to that lane. The Signal Transmitter Stage (shown in block diagram form in FIG. 3) converts the Pinfall Signals into a proportional number of Pinfall Pulses and sends those pulses along with various Command Pulses to a Player Computer Stage. While one Detector Stage" and one Signal Transmitter Stage" are required for each lane, one Player Computer Stage" (10 total) is required for each player. A Selector Stage" (10 total) for each player provides the necessary switching circuitry for connecting the individual Player Computer Stage" to the Detector Stage and Signal Transmitter Stage" for the desired bowling lane. A Counter-Printer Stage" (shown in block diagram form in FIG. 4) for each player provides a printed record of the bowling score from information received from the Player Computer Stage." While the block diagram of FIG. 1 a bowling score computer system having a capacity of 10 players, the flexibility of the overall system is such that additional stages may be added at any time.

DETECTOR STAGE The primary function of the Detector Stage is to convert the electrical Pinfall Detector-Signals from the-Pinfall Detector into Pinfall Signals for use by the Signal Transmitter Stage." The Pinfall Detector Signals are directly related to the pinfall occurring each time a ball is bowled. The secondary functions of the Detector Stage" are:

l. to provide an electrical Strike-Spare Signal when the total pinfall for a frame bowled is IO;

2. to provide an electric Foul Signal when a foul occurs during the course of a bowling game; and

3. to provide an electrical Ball Signal each time a ball is bowled.

The purpose of the Strike-Spare, Foul and Ball Signals will be explained in relation to the circuits they affect at a later point. As noted, one Detector Stage is required for each lane.

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION The Detector Stage" could be operative with either a digital or an analog Pinfall Detector Signal which indicates the number of pins knocked down. In the form to be shown and described a digital output is used.

The Detector Stage (see FIG. 2) comprises a Detector Circuit which, as shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 5 includes a Frame Detector, Pinfall Detector, Foul Detector, and Ball Detector.

The circuit diagram of FIG. 5 illustrates a Detector Stage circuit utilizing a digital Pinfall Detector. The position of each bowling pin, i.e., standing or knocked down, determines the position of the associated single pole, double throw pinfall detector switch (indicated as PDSI-IO), i.e., positions one or two. The number two position of each switch (representing a bowling pin knocked down) is connected to the corresponding gate of one of the controlled rectifiers D-l through D-10. The movable arms of switches PDSl-IO are each connected to a positive direct potential V through a PNP transistor T-2 which is biased to be normally conductive by a base bias resistor R-3. The anodes of SCRs D1-D10 are connected to a positive direct current V through PNP transistor T-I which is normally biased conductive by resistors R-1 and R-2 connected from base to ground. The cathodes of SCRs Dl-Dl0 are connected to ground via load resistor R-6 through R-15 respectively. When bowling pins are knocked down, their associated pinfall detector switches PDSl-IO are moved to position two such that a positive Pinfall Detector Signal is connected to the corresponding controlled rectifier gate (via T-2). This, in turn, triggers the controlled rectifiers Dl-I0 thus establishing electrical Pinfall Signals at the appropriate ones of points 2-A through lI-A respectively, as a function of pinfall. The characteristics of controlled rectifiers are such that the Pinfall Signals are maintained after the detector switches return to their normal position (position one). The Pinfall Signals from the first .ball thrown in a bowling frame are thus retained for use when the scoring conditions of a game require such information. A PNP transistor T-3 is connected to positive direct potential V through one pole of a Foul Detector switch FDS2 and has its base connected to the potential V via resistor R-4 and conductor 20 which is connected to each of the No. one contacts of pinfall detector switches PDS1-l0; conductor 20 is connected to ground via a load resistor R-S. Thus when any of the switches PDSl-IO is in the No. one position transistor T-3 is held nonconductive but will conduct when all of switches PDSl-ll) are in the No. two position. When the total pinfall for a bowling frame in a game is ten (all the pinfall detector switches-PDSl-IO are in position two the positive bias voltage is removed from the base of transistor T-3, allowing T-3 to conduct. The result is a Strike-Spare Signal at point l-A which is used in various circuits of the "Player Computer Stage" in a manner to be described.

The controlled rectifiers are reset at the end of each frame in the following manner. The pinfall detector switches PDS1-10 are all returned to their No. one position at the end of each frame bowled. The Frame Detector (FIG. 2) comprises a normally opened switch FDSl connected from positive potential V to the base of T-l at the juncture of resistor R-1 and R-2. The Frame Detector provides an electrical Frame Pulse, via actuation of FDSl, at the end of each frame bowled. The Frame Pulse introduces a momentary positive voltage to the base of transistor T-l, biasing T-] to cutoff. The anode supply voltage to controlled rectifiers D-l through D-l is thus momentarily blocked. The characteristics of the rectifiers are such that with no bias at the gate interruption of their anode voltage automatically resets the controlled I rectifiers.

When a foul occurs during the course of a game, the Foul Detector, which comprises a switch FDS2, is automatically actuated (position two is closed, position one is opened). The Foul Detector will be maintained actuated until the signal provided therefrom has been used by the succeeding circuitry. Foul detector switch FDS2 is a single pole double throw switch having one pole (normally closed) and connected in the circuit of transistor T-3 and the other pole normally opened and connected to the base of transistor T-2 through bias resistor R-3. This results in positive voltage being applied at the base of transistor T-2, biasing T2 to cutoff. Under this condition, the controlled rectifiers D-l through D-l0 are unaffected by the position of the pinfall detector switches since transistor T-2 has blocked the positive voltage to the switches PDSl-lO. Thus, there are no pinfall signals appearing at points 2-A through ll-A as the result of bowling pins knocked down by a ball bowled when a foul has occurred. Position two of the foul detector switch also provides a Foul Signal at point 24-A (when a foul condition energizes the foul detector switch), the purpose of which will be explained in the discussion of the Spare Circuit in the Player Computer Stage." Since upon the occurrence of a foul the positive voltage is blocked from the pinfall detector switches PDSlby transistor T-2', the bias voltage normally appearing at the base of transistor T-3 is also blocked. To prevent T-3 from conducting under this condition, (which, if allowed, would establish a false Strike-Spare Signal at point l-A), the positive voltage is removed from the emitter of transistor T-3 through the action of the foul detector switch FDS2 being actuated to open the No. one position and close the No. two position.

The Ball Detector which comprises a switch ED, is actuated each time a ball is bowled and is connected to positive potential V and provides a Ball Signal for use in the "Signal Transmitter Stage" in a manner to be described.

The Frame Detector produces a positive Frame Pulse at the end of each frame bowled. The frame detector switch FDSl is a single pole, single throw switch which momentarily connects the positive supply voltage V to the base of transistor T-l at the end of each frame bowled. .There are a number of ways in which this switch could be actuated. Since it could, for example, be actuated by the associated pinsetter equipment by means known in the art no specific construction has been shown.

The Foul Detector would detect both a bowling ball that enters a lane channel and a player that crosses the foul line. Presently known foul line devices can easily be adapted for use as a part of the Foul Detector required by the Detector Stage." In addition conventional sensing devices can be used to sense a bowling ball entering a lane channel.

The Ball Detector can be a switch' actuated by the pinsetter equipment by means known in the art and hence no specific construction has been shown.

SIGNAL TRANSMITTER STAGE The function of the Signal Transmitter Stage" is:

l. to convert the steady state Pinfall Signals received from the Detector Stage into three sets of Pinfall Pulses for use by three sections of the Count Circuit in the Player Computer Stage" (FIG. 3),

2. to convert the steady state Strike-Spare Signal to Strike- Spare Pulses for use by the various circuits in the Player Computer Stage," and 3. to provide a series of sequential Command Pulses to the various circuits of the Player Computer Stage.

As noted in the introduction, one Signal Transmitter Stage" is provided for each lane.

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION The signal transmitter is shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 6 and generally structurally shown in FIG. 7. The signal transmitter is a device having a series of single pole, single throw, normally open, reed switches (S-l-A through S-39A) which are mounted to the periphery of a cylindrical stator member 22 and which are momentarily actuated (closed) by a rotating permanent magnet 24 located on a rotor 26. The switches S-l-A through S-39-A are generally actuated in numerical order (except for switch S-3l-A) and are actuated in the sequence shown in FIG. 6. Once having been actuated (closed) by the presence of an appropriate magnetic field, the reed switches automatically return to their deactuated condition (open) upon the removal of that field. Each of the reed switches S-l-A through S-30-A has one end connected to one of the points 2-A through ll-A which carry the Pinfall Signals from the Detector Stage"; each of the reed switches S-35-A and S-36-A have one end connected to point l-A which carries the Strike-Spare Signal from the Detector Stage," and each of the reed switches S-3l-A through Sl-34-A and S-34-A and S-37-A through S-39-A is connected to a positive supply voltage V. The actuation of the switches is accomplished in a specific time sequence as established by the physical location of the switches and converts the various steady state voltages (Pinfall Signals, Strike- Spare Signal and positive supply voltage) into electrical pulses (Pinfall Pulses, Strike-Spare Pulses and Command Pulses, respectively), required by the Player Computer Stage. This sequence occurs in the order illustrated (reading from top to bottom) in the circuit diagram of FIG. 6 or clockwise in F IG. 7. In each case, the output pulses from the signal transmitter at points l2-A through 23-A will be a positive, steady state direct potential with the duration of the positive pulse being determined by the time which the associated reed switches S-I-A through S-39-A are closed.

One cycle of operation of the Signal Transmitter Stage" will be described. A low torque, low speed, continuous duty, AC motor drive assembly, M-l-A is coupled to the rotor 26 of the signal transmitter. The drive motor M-l-A is energized continuously but is prevented from rotating by the projection of the solenoid plunger P1 of solenoid S-L-l-A into a slot 28 in face of the signal transmitter rotor 26. When the coil L-l-A of solenoid SI..1A is energized, the plunger P1 is pulled out of the slot 28, allowing the motor M-l-A to rotate the signal transmitter rotor 26. After the solenoid coil L-l-A is deenergized, the plunger'Pl will rest against the face of signal transmitter rotor 26. When the signal transmitter rotor 26 has completed one revolution, the solenoid plunger P1 drops back into the rotor face slot 28 preventing further rotation.

A permanent magnet 24 attached to the signal transmitter rotor 26, is designed to pass in front of and to thereby actuate each of the reed switches S-l-A through S-39-A during one cycle of the signal transmitter. A discreet time interval exists between the actuation of one reed switch and the automatic deactuation of the preceding adjacent reed switch as the permanent magnet 24 travels through one revolution. It should be noted that reed switches S-3 l-A and S37-A are axially offset (see FIG. 6) and are located in line with a wider section 24a of the permanent magnet 24. This provides additional on" time for these reed switches to serve a purpose to be presently described.

Looking now to the circuit diagram of FIG. 6, each of the points 2-A through ll-A are connected to three of the switches S-l-A through S30A i.e. Z-A connected to switches S-l-A, S-ll-A, S-ZI-A, etc. The switches S-l-A through S-l-A S-Il-A through S20A and S2lA through S30A are commonly connected to points l2A, 13-A and 14-A, respectively. Thus in one cycle or revolution of the signal transmitter the steady state Pinfall Signals at points 2-A through ll-A are converted into three identical groups of Pinfall Pulses appearing as discreet individual pulses at points 12-A, I3-A and l4-A. The duplication of Pinfall Pulses at points 12-A, 13-A and l4-A is necessary, as will be seen, for proper operation of the Count Circuit in the Player Computer Stage" (FIG. 3). The Strike-Spare Signal at point l-A is converted into the Strike-Spare Pulses which appear at points l8A and l9-A and which are used in the various circuits of the Player Computer Stage in a manner to be described. Reed switches S-3I-A through S-33-A and S-37-A through S39A are connected directly to the positive supply voltage toprovide a series of Command Pulses at points IS-A through l7-A and 20-A through 23-A. The Command Pulses are used in the various circuits of the Player Computer Stage" (FIG. 3) in a manner to be described. The Command Pulses at points I-A through l8-A and Zl-A through 23 A will occur once for each revolution of motor M-l-A; the other pulses, however, at the remaining points will only occur if a corresponding signal i.e. pinfall signal or Strike-Spare Signal is received from the detector stage.

The signal transmitter is cycled each time the coil L-l-A for solenoid S-L-l-A is energized through the actuation of the ball detector switch BD. This switch is actuated automatically each time a bowling ball is thrown during the course ofa bowling game.

The size of magnet 24 and enlarged portion 24a will in conjunction with thespeed of the rotor 26 determine the pulse width for the use of an electromechanical counter and printer (to be described) a longer pulse width is required for printing than for counting. For proper actuation of the electromechanical device specifically shown in the Counter- Printer Stage" (FIG. 4) to register score information, as energized through the Player Computer Stage, (FIG. 3), the pulses obtained through the action of the signal transmitter to provide counting and other scoring functions should have a minimum pulse duration of around 40 milliseconds; such a duration can be provided at all points except the points l5-A and 21-A. At the latter two points an increased minimum pulse duration of around I00 milliseconds is provided to give ample time for the electromechanical counter and printer to print the registered score information. Thus the magnet 24 by having the enlarged offset portion 24a can provide the necessary difference in pulse duration while still maintaining the time required for one revolution at a minimum.

SELECTOR STAGE Only one Detector Stage and one Signal Transmitter Stage is provided for each lane; ten Selector Stages are provided and each is individual to and is connected with one of the ten Player Computer Stages." The function of each of the ten Selector Stages" is to permit the Detector Stage" and the Signal Transmitter Stage" from one of the lanes (A or B) to be connected to the corresponding one of the 'ten Player Computer Stages"; thus each Selector Stage allows the transfer of signals from the Detector Stage" and pulses from the associated Signal Transmitter Stage to the Player Computer Stage" with which it is individual.

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION As previously noted, ten Selector Stages (one for each player) are connected to common points in the Detector Stages and Transmitter Stages of Lanes A and B. The ten Player Selector Stages" are connected to the points 12-A through 23-A in the Signal Transmitter Stage" of Lane A and are similarly connected to corresponding points of the Signal Transmitter Stage" of Lane B. Points l-A and 24-A of the Detector Stage" of Lane A and corresponding points of the Detector Stage" of Lane B are also connected to each of the ten Player Selector Stages." The circuit diagram for one Player Selector Stage" is shown in FIG. 8. The switching transistors T-30 through T-43 are of the NPN type and control the transfer of signals and pulses appearing at points I-A and 12-A through 24-A from the Detector Stage" and Signal Transmitter Stage of Lane A to points P and 12 through 24 within the Player Computer Stage" associated with the Selector Stage." The switching transistors T-44 through T-57 control the transfer of signals and pulses appearing at points 1-8 and 12-3 through 24-B from the Detector Stage" and Signal Transmitter Stage to Lane B to points P and 12 through 24 within the selected Player Computer Stage" associated with that Selector Stage." When selector switch S44-A is actuated (closed), a positive bias voltage V is connected to a conductor 30 and to ground via a resistor R-75. The bases of each of the transistors T-30 through T-43 are connected to conductor 30 by biasing resistors R-46-R-59, respectively. By closing switch S44A and energizing conductor 30 the transistors T-30 through T-43 are placed into a conductive state allowing the signals and pulses at points l-A and I2-A through 24-A (Lane A) to appear at the corresponding points P and 12 through 24, within the associated "Player Computer Stage. These signals and pulses will occur after each ball has been bowled. Similarly, transistors T-44 through T-57 (Lane B) are connected to positive potential V via biasing resistors R-60 through R-73, respectively, and conductor 32 and to ground via resistor R-76 and can be switched into a conductive state by actuating switch S44-B.

The selector switches S44-A and S44-B could. be designed with an interlocking device to prevent the inadvertent concurrent actuation and the simultaneous transferring of signals and pulses from the Detector Stages and Signal Transmitter Stages" of both Lane A and Lane B.

PLAYER COMPUTER STAGE The function of the Player Computer Stage" is to utilize the various signals and pulses received from the Detector Stage" and Signal Transmitter Stage" for actuating the electromechanical devices of the associated Counter-Printer Stage."

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION The Player Computer Stage" has been subdivided into five basic circuits (see FIG. 3). The circuit diagrams for the Frame Circuit, Spare Circuit, Strike Circuit, Count Circuit, and Print Circuit are shown in FIGS. 9-13, respectively. As noted, ten Player Computer Stages (one for each player) are provided and each is associated with one of the Player Selector Stages." The Count Circuit performs the function of counting the score attained; the score attained is represented by the number of Pinfall Pulses occurring at points 12, 13 and 14 and by the number of these which are counted by the Count Circuit which number is determined by the Frame Circuit, Spare Circuit, and Strike Circuit, which correspond to the score situation existing at that time i.e. spare, strike, etc. As will be seen the score is directly represented by the number of pulses transmitted to a counter solenoid L-2 (see Count Circuit, FIG. 12

Each of the transistors used in the Player Computer Stage functions as a switching device which has its conductive condition determined by an associated bias voltage. The presence or absence of these bias voltages are a function of a number of corresponding scoring conditions i.e. strike, spare, etc. Each of the various bias voltages is a positive potential and has been designated by an individual code letter located at the source of that bias. The code letter is likewise noted at the base of the switching transistors to be controlled by that bias. For convenience in studying the individual circuits within the Player Computer Stage," an explanation of the code letters is given below:

(this has been previously referred to as a Str!ke-Spare Signal" at point 1-A in the Detector Stage.

X Spare or Strike bowled in tenth frame"... Frame circuit.

FRAME CIRCUIT The function of the Frame Circuit is to provide a frame bias voltage E and a th frame bias voltage X under scoring conditions to be described. The Frame Bias Voltage E indicates that a strike was not bowled on the first ball in a frame. The above is true except for a 10th frame strike situation to be described. The 10th Frame Bias-Voltage X indicates that the 10th frame has been bowled and sets up conditions to receive the extra scores encountered if a spare or a strike was bowled in the iOth frame. In the following description, circuit diagrams 9- 13 should be considered together.

The Frame Circuit is shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 9 and provides the Frame Bias Voltage E for the associated switching transistors T-5, T-7, T-ll and T-14 in the Count Circuit (FIG. 12); switching transistors T-18 in the Spare Circuit (FIG. 10); transistors T-l9, T-20 and T-2l in the Strike Circuit; and transistor T-24 in the Frame Circuit. In the Frame Circuit of FIG. 9, a Command Pulse appearing at point 22 (for each ball bowled) will provide a trigger pulse to the gate of a controlled rectifier D-l7. When the normally conductive transistor T-26 (connected between the positive source V and the anode of D-17) is conductive, this trigger pulse will render D-l7 conductive to provide the Frame Bias Voltage at point E at the cathode of D-l7 which is connected to ground via a dropping resistor R-42. The base of transistor T-26 is connected to the cathode of an SCR D-l6 via resistor R-40 and to ground via resistor R-4l and will be rendered nonconductive when SCR D-l6 is conducting. For a purpose to be seen a Frame Bias Voltage must and will appear at point E whenever it is necessary to bowl a second ball in a frame, i.e., in all scoring situations except a strike.

The transistor T-26 is controlled in order to prevent controlled rectifier D-17 from firing when a strike is bowled. SCR D-16 has its anode connected to positive supply V via the emitter-collector circuit of a PNP transistor T- which has its base connected to point 23 to receive a Command Pulse. The gate of SCR D-l6 is connected to point 20 to receive a Strike-Spare Pulse via the emitter-collector circuit of PNP transistor T-23 which has its base connected to ground via resistor R-37 and resistor R-74 (in the 10th Frame Bias Voltage circuit). A Strike-Spare Pulse at point 20 provides a trigger pulse to controlled rectifier D-16 (through normally conducting transistor- T-23) prior to the Command Pulse appearing at point 22. When the normally conductive transistor T-25 is on,

this trigger pulse will render D-16 conductive; with D-l6 conductive a positive bias is placed at the base of transistor T-26 cutting it off and thereby blocking the supply voltage to the anode of controlled rectifier D-l7. Thus, when a strike is bowled, the Command Pulse appearing at point 22 cannot fire D-l7. The Command Pulse appearing at point 23 (which occurs after the pulses appearing at points 20, 21 and 22) cuts off transistor T-25 to momentarily block the supply voltage to controlled rectifier D-16, thus resetting D-I6 and returning the Frame Circuit to its normal or original position.

In the case of a frame in which a strike is not bowled, after the second ball in that frame is bowled (Frame Bias Voltage E occurring after the first ball as previously described), the Frame Circuit must be returned to its original condition, i.e. SCR D-17 turned off. This is done by an NPN transistor T-24 (normally nonconducting) which connects Command Pulse point 21 to the emitter of T-23 via its emitter-collector circuit; the base of T-24 is connected to the Frame Bias Voltage E via resistor R-38. A Command Pulse appearing at point 21 provides a trigger pulse to D-l6 (through transistor T-24 and normally conducting transistor T-23). The presence of Frame Bias Voltage E at the base of transistor T-24 renders this transistor conductive. The sequence of events occurring after the trigger pulse fires D-l6 is the same as previously described in conjunction with the occurrence of a Strike-Spare Pulse at point 20.

It should be noted that the establishment of Frame Bias Voltage E occurs at the end of a signal transmitter cycle, i.e., Command Pulse at point 22, and is effective for scoring purposes during the next cycle untilit is extinguished at the end of that next cycle, i.e. Command Pulse at point 21.

A 10th frame switch S-43 provides the 10th Frame Bias Voltage X for the associated switching transistors T-l0 in the Count Circuit, T-23 in the Frame Circuit, and T-29 in the Print Circuit. Switch 8-43 is connected to positive potential V and is normally opened and is actuated after the 10th frame has been bowled but before the additional ball (in the case of a spare scored in the 10th frame) or balls (in the case ofa strike scored in the 10th frame) are bowled. The Tenth Frame Bias Voltage X appearing at the base of transistor T-23 renders that transistor nonconductive thereby assuring the occurrence of the Frame Bias Voltage E after the first extra ball is bowled. This is significant (as will be seen) only when the scoring condition dictates two extra balls and when the first of the two is a strike. The action of switch 5-43 will be described in more detail in the Counter-Printer Stage discussion.

Controlled rectifier D-l7 is manually reset by contacts S-40-4 of a start switch (not shown) which would be actuated by a player prior to starting a game; contacts S-40-4 are normally opened and when closed connect the cathode of SCR D-l7 to positive supply V to turn D-l7 off.

A zero center, single pole, double throw toggle switch 5-45 is provided to correct a scoring error resulting in an incorrect indication (or absence) of Frame Bias Voltage E. The movable arm of switch 5-45 is connected to positive potential V while one contact (add) is connected to the gate of SCR D-l7 and another contact (subtract) is connected to the cathode of SCR D-l7. By moving the arm to the add" position, D-17 is triggered and the Bias E is provided; conversely, by moving the switch to the subtract" position D-17 is extinguished removing the Bias E.

SPARE CIRCUIT The function of the Spare Circuit is to provide a Spare Bias Voltage J indicating a spare was bowled and to provide energizing potentials for a spare symbol solenoid L-S and foul solenoid L-6 under scoring conditions to be described; as will be seen the solenoids L-5 and L-6 control apparatus whereby the occurrence of either a spare or a foul is recorded.

The Spare Circuit, illustrated in the circuit diagram of FIG.

I0, provides the Spare Bias Voltage J for the switching transistor T-9 in the Count Circuit, for the transistors T-27 and T-28 in the Print Circuit, and for energizing the spare symbol solenoid L-S in the Spare Circuit. The Spare Bias J is provided at the cathode of an SCR D-l3 which cathode is connected to ground through the coil for spare symbol solenoid L-5; the anode of SCR D-l3 is connected to positive potential V while its gate is connected to the Strike-Spare Pulse point 19 via the emitter-collector circuit of an NPN transistor T-l8; the base of T-l8 is connected to Frame Bias E via a resistor R-30. Thus T-18 will normally be nonconductive but will-conduct when the Frame Bias E occurs. The Strike-Spare Pulse appearing at point 19 provides a trigger pulse to the SCR D-l3 (through transistor T-18). When SCR D-13 is conducting, the Spare Bias Voltage J is produced and spare symbol solenoid L-S is energized. The presence of Frame Bias Voltage E (occurring under the conditions described in the Frame Circuit discussion) at the base of transistor T-l8 renders that transistor conductive; thus controlled rectifier D-13 will be triggered (and Spare Bias Voltage J produced) only when a spare is bowled.

The Command Pulse at point 18 (for each ball bowled) resets the SCR D-l3 (through a blocking diode D-l8) by momentarily applying the positive supply voltage to the cathode of the SCR D-l3. Blocking diode D-l8 prevents the Spare Bias Voltage J from affecting the circuitry of the Strike Circuit connected to point 18. Since the Command Pulse at point 18 (resetting D-l3) occurs prior to the Strike-Spare Pulse at point 19, when a spare is bowled, the Spare Bias Voltage J and the energization of spare symbol solenoid L-5 will be maintained until after the first ball of the following frame is bowled and the Pinfall Pulses have been transmitted to the Count Circuit. This is done for a purpose to be described in the discussion of the Counter-Printer Stage." SCR D-l3 can be manually reset by contacts 5-40-2 of the start switch (previously referred to); contacts 8-40-2 are normally opened and connect the positive supply V to the cathode of SCR D-l3; when S-40-2 is closed SCR D-13 is rendered nonconductive, resetting it.

SCR Dl3 may be alternately triggered on or reset off by the zero center, single pole, double throw, toggle switch S-41. Switch S-4l has its movable arm connected to the positive supply V and has one contact (add) connected to the gate of SCR D-13 and'another contact (subtract) connected to the cathode of 0-13. Thus switch 841 can be used to manually produce a Spare Bias Voltage J (add position) or to reset D-13 (subtract position) in the event that an error involving a spare scored should occur during the course of a bowling game. The spare symbol solenoid L-S is, of course, energized when controlled rectifier D-l3 is fired.

The foul symbol-solenoid L-6 is energized by the Foul Signal appearing at point 24 from the Detector Stage" of the.

lane to which the Player Computer Stage" is connected. The action of solenoids L6 and L-6 will be explained in the Counter-Printer Stage discussion.

STRIKE CIRCUIT The function of the Strike Circuit is to provide a Single Strike Bias Voltage K when one strike has been bowled and a Multiple Strike Bias Voltage F when two or more strikes in succession have been bowled; the Bias Voltage K and F serve purposes to be described.

The Strike Circuit illustrated in the circuit diagram of FIG. 11, provides the Single Strike Bias Voltage K for the associated switching transistor T-6 in the Count Circuit and the Multiple Strike Bias Voltage F for the associated switching transistor T-4 in the Count Circuit. When pins are knocked down by the first ball bowled in a frame the Strike-Spare Pulse appearing at point provides a trigger pulse to a controlled rectifier D-l4 through a normally conducting transistor T-20.

is connected to the gate of D-14. When rectifier D-l4 is conducting the Single Strike Bias Voltage K is produced. Transistor T-20 is of the PNP type and has its base connected to the Frame Bias Voltage E via a resistor R-32 and capacitor C-l connected in parallel. The presence of Frame Bias Voltage E (occurring under the conditions described in the discussion of the Frame Circuit, i.e. no strike on the first ball) at the base of transistor T-20 renders that transistor nonconductive; thus controlled rectifier D-14 will be triggered (and bias K produced) only when a strike is bowled. In the event of a spare (all pins knocked down with second ball in the frame) a Strike-Spare Pulse will occur at points 19 and 20; no Single Strike Bias Voltage K should be produced in response thereto. The Frame Bias Voltage E at T-20 prevents D-14 from producing the Bias Voltage K, however, the Bias Voltage E on the next ball bowled will be removed prior to occurrence of Strike-Spare Pulse at point 20. The- RC circuit (resistor R-32 and capacitor C-l) at the base of transistor T-20 maintains that transistor cutoff for a preselected interval after Frame Bias Voltage E has been extinguished. This interval is provided to prevent a Strike-Spare Pulse (after a spare is bowled) at point 20 from firing controlled rectifier D-l4 and improperly indicating a strike (bias K).

The multiple Strike Bias Voltage F is produced at the cathode of an SCR D-15 when it is conducting. The cathode of SCR D-l4 is connected to the base of an NPN transistor T-22 via resistor R-3-5. The collector-emitter circuit of T-22 connects the positive supply V to the anode of SCR D-15. When controlled rectifier D-l4 is conducting, the resulting Single Strike Bias Voltage K places T-22 in a conductive state, thus establishing one of the necessary conditions for the firing of the controlled rectifier D-15 which has its cathode connected to ground via resistor R-36. The other condition necessary to fire D-IS is a trigger pulse applied to its gate (through normally conductive transistor T-21) as a result of a Strike-Spare Pulse at point 19. PNP transistor T-2l connects the Strike-Spare Pulse point 19 to the gate of SCR D-15 through its collector-emitter circuit and has its base connected to Frame Bias Voltage E via resistor R-33 and serves the same purpose in relation to D-l5 as transistor T-20 does to D-l4 and hence prevents the improper indication of a strike. The sequential order of the Strike-Spare Pulses appearing at points 19 and 20 is such that controlled rectifier D-lS cannot be fired until the second consecutive strike is bowled i.e. until after the Bias Voltage K has been established. When rectifier D-lS is conducting the Multiple Strike Bias Voltage F is produced.

The Command Pulse at point 18 will reset controlled rectifier D-l4 through a normally nonconductive NPN transistor T-l9 by momentarily applying the positive supply voltage to the cathode. T-19-connects the Command Pulse point 18 to the cathode of D-l4 through its collector-emitter circuit; the base of T-l9 is connected to Frame Bias Voltage E via resistor R-3l. WhenD-l4 is reset (bias K removed) transistor T-22 is cut off thereby blocking the supply voltage to the anode of controlled rectifier D-15 and thus resetting it. The presence of Frame Bias Voltage E (occurring under the conditions described in the Frame Circuit discussion i.e. no strike bowled on the first ball) is necessary at the base of transistor T-l8 to render that transistor conductive and permit D-l4 to be reset. As long as D-14 is conducting (Bias K produced) it means that a strike has been bowled and D-lS is conditioned to produce Bias F if a next strike is bowled. As noted, D-15 is reset when D-l4 is reset.

The Command Pulses and Strike-Spare Pulses of the Frame and Strike Circuits are arranged to occur in a selected sequence whereby once the bias voltages K and F have been established, they will not be extinguished until the next succeeding cycle of the Signal Transmitter Stage" after which the Frame Bias Voltage E has been established. Thus the controlled rectifier D-14 (bias K) and hence rectifier D-lS (bias F) are reset after the second ball is bowled in the frame following a strike scored.

Controlled rectifier D44 (and hence D-15) is manually reset by contacts S-40-3 of the start switch previously noted; contacts S-40-3 are normally opened and connect the positive supply V to the cathode of SCR D-14 whereby closure of contacts S-40-3 extinguishes D-l4. D-l4 may be alternatively triggered (add) orreset (subtract) by contacts S-42-1 on the zero center, double pole, double throw, toggle switch S-42; switch S-42 has a second set of contacts S-42-2 ganged to operate with contact S-42-1. The movable arm contact S-42-1 is connected to the positive supply V while one contact (add) is connected to the gate of SCR D-14 while the other contact (subtract) is connected to the cathode of SCR D-l4. Thus SCR controlled rectifier D-15 may be triggered by contacts S-42-2 on the switch S-42 through capacitor C-2 and may be extinguished by contact S-42-l in the subtract" position (since, with D-14 off, D-15 is extinguished). Contact S-42-2 has its movable arm connected to move with the arm of contacts S-42-1 and is connected to the positive potential V and has one contact (add) connected to the gate of SCR D-lS through capacitor C-2. The contact S-42-2 is provided to close prior to contact S-42-l in the add position; this coupled with the transient pulse action of capacitor C-2 insures D- 15 to be energized only when D-l4 is on prior to actuation of switch S-42. Thus, switch 5-42 can be used to produce or extinguish both the Single Strike Bias Voltage K and the Multiple Strike Bias Voltage F.

COUNT CIRCUIT The function of the Count Circuit, as conditioned by the Frame, Spare, and Strike Circuits, is to translate pinfall information as received from the Signal Transmitter Stage" into the proper electrical pulses for use by the associated Counter-Printer Stage" in recording the bowling score. This is done by the number of pulses transmitted to the score counter solenoid L-2.

The Pinfall Pulses from the Signal Transmitter Stage through the Player Selector Stage" are received at points 12, 13 and 14 of the Count Circuit, which is illustrated in the circuit diagram of FIG. 12. The transfer of these Pinfall Pulses to score counter solenoid L-2 is controlled by the operative condition of the associated switching transistors T-4 through T-12. Transistors T-4 through T-12 are conditioned by the various bias voltage (E,F,J,K,P and X) previously described. The score counter solenoid L-2 is utilized (as will be seen inv the discussion of the. "Counter-Printer Stage") to register the bowling score as the game progresses. More specifically, the Pinfall Pulses received at point 12 are transferred to solenoid L-2 under the following score condition:

1. The Pinfall Pulses resulting from the first ball bowled following two consecutive strikes; these pulses are transferred through normally nonconductive transistor T-4 (rendered conductive by Multiple Strike Bias Voltage F) and normally conductive transistor T-5. Transistor T-4 is an NPN type with its base connected to the Multiple Strike Bias Voltage F via resistor R-16; transistor T-5 is a PNP type with its base connected to the Frame Bias Voltage E via resistor R-l7. The emitter-collector circuits of T-4 and T-S are serially connected between point 12 and a resistor R-27 at the base of a power transistor T-l5; T- is an NPN transistor with its collector connected to the positive potential V via the solenoid L-2 and with its emitter connected to ground. T-4 is normally nonconductive and will conduct the pulse at point 12 only when the Multiple Strike Bias Voltage F has been applied to its base; T-5 is normally conductive and will be rendered nonconductive by the application of the Frame Bias Voltage E to its base. As long as T-4 and T- 5 are conductive all of the Pinfall Pulses at point 12 will be connected to solenoid L-2.

The Pinfall Pulses received at point 13 are transferred to solenoid L-2 under the following score conditions:

I. The Pinfall Pulses resulting from the first ball bowled after a spare; these pulses are transferred through normally nonconductive transistor T-9 (rendered conductive by the Spare Bias Voltage J);

2. The Pinfall Pulses resulting from the second consecutive strike and all successive strikes thereafter; these pulses are transferred through normally nonconductive transistor T-6 (rendered conductive by the Single Strike Bias Voltage K) and normally nonconductive transistor T-8 (rendered conductive by the Strike-Spare Signal at point P);

3. The total Pinfall Pulses (other than a strike) resulting from a frame bowled after a strike; these pulses are transferred through normally nonconductive transistor T-6 (rendered conductive by the Single Strike Bias Voltage K) and normally nonconductive transistor T-7 (rendered conductive by Frame Bias Voltage E.)

The transistor T-6, T-7, T-8, and T-9 are NPN types. Transistor T-9 connects the Pinfall Pulses from Point 13 to transistor T-15 via its collector-emitter circuit which is rendered conductive by the presence of the Spare Bias Voltage J at its base via resistor R-27. Transistor T-6 connects the Pinfall Pulses from point 13 to transistor T-15 via its collector-emitter circuit in series with the collector-emitter circuit either of transistor T-7 or T-8. T-6 is rendered conductive by the presence of the Single Strike Bias Voltage K at its base via resistor R-18 while T-7 and T-8 are rendered conductive by the presence of the Frame Bias Voltage E and Strike-Spare Signal P, respectively, at their bases via resistor R-l9 and R-20, respectively.

The Pinfall Pulses received at point 14 are transferred to solenoid L-2 under the following score condition:

1. The total Pinfall Pulses (other than a strike) resulting from a frame bowled; these pulses are transferred through normally conductive transistor T-10 and normally nonconductive transistor T-ll (rendered conductive by Frame Bias Voltage E).

The transistor T-l0 is of the PNP type and has its collectoremitter circuit connected in series with the collector-emitter circuit of transistor T-ll, which series circuit connects the Pinfall Pulses at point 14 to transistor T-15 and solenoid L-2. Transistor T-l0 is normally conductive and will be rendered nonconductive by the application of the Tenth Frame Bias Voltage X at its base via resistor R-22. Transistor T-11 is normally nonconductive and will be rendered conductive by the presence of the Frame Bias Voltage E at its base via resistor R-23. Again, both T-10 and T-ll must be conductive for the Pinfall Pulses at point 14 to be transmitted to solenoid L-2 through the described circuit.

With the count Circuit operating in the above described manner, the number of individual Pinfall Pulses actuating solenoid L-2 will be equal to the numerical value of the score as the game progresses.

Transistor T-l5 is a normally nonconductive NPN power transistor and is used to energize solenoid L-2 as a result of each of the Pinfall Pulses that are allowed to pass thereto through switching transistors T-4 through T-l2. A score counter reset motor M-2 is energized by the set of contacts S-40-l on the start switch which contacts are normally opened and connect the positive potential V to motor M-2 and thence to ground. The action of solenoid L-2 and the function of motor M-2 will be explained in the Counter- Printer Stage" discussion.

The Pinfall Pulses received at point 14 and also the Command Pulse at point 16 are transferred to a pinfall counter solenoid L-3 through normally conductive PNP transistors T-13 and T-14. In addition Command Pulses at points 17 and 18 are transferred to solenoid L-3 through the normally conducting transistor T-14. The solenoid L-3 is utilized to register first ball pinfall information, i.e. strike, foul, pinfall, in the Counter-Printer Stage in a manner to be described therein. Transistor T-l3 and T-14 have their collectoremitter circuits connected in series between Command Pulse point 16 and resistor R-28 at the base of power transistor T-l6. Transistor T-16 is of the NPN type and is normally nonconductive and has its collector-emitter circuit in series with the positive supply V, coil L-3 and ground. Transistors T-l3 and T-14 are normally conductive and will be rendered nonconductive by the presence of Strike-Spare Signal P and Frame Bias E, respectively, at their basis via resistors R-25 and R-26, respectively. Pinfall Pulses from point 14 are connected to transistor T-l3 and T-14 via diode D-11.

Transistor T-I6 is a power transistor used to energize solenoid L-3 as a result of each of the Pinfall Pulses and Command Pulses from points 14, 16, 17 and 18 to its base. The blocking diode D-ll is used to prevent the positive Command Pulse appearing at point 16 from affecting the score counter solenoid L-2. The Command Pulse from points 17 and 18 are connected to the emitter of transistor T-14 and hence these will be transmitted to T-16 and solenoid L-3 solely through transistor T-14. A blocking diode D-l2 is used in series with point 18 to prevent positive Pinfall Pulses appearing at point 14 and Command Pulses appearing at points 16 and 17 from affecting the reset circuitry of the Spare and Strike Circuits which are also connected to point 18. A pinfall counter reset solenoid L-4 is actuated by the Command Pulse (from the signal transmitter) that appears at point 23. The action of solenoid L-4 will be explained in the discussion of the Counter- Printer Stage." Thus the Count Circuit will provide to the solenoid L-2 a number of Pinfall Pulses corresponding to the score attained by the bowler up to that point in the game and will provide to the solenoid L-3 pinfall information indicating the score attained on the first ball in each frame, i.e. strike, foul, pinfall.

PRINT CIRCUIT The function of the Print Circuit is to provide electrical print pulses to the Counter-Printer Stage to perform printing functions to be described in the discussion of that stage.

The Print Circuit, illustrated in FIG. 13, controls the energization of the print solenoid L-7. The print solenoid L-7 when energized causes the Printer Section in the Counter- Printer Stage" to print; this section and its actuation by the Print Circuit will be described in the discussion of the CounterPrinter Stage." The print solenoid L-7 is serially connected to the positive potential V and to ground via the collector-emitter circuit of an NPN power transistor T-17. T-17 is normally nonconductive and will be rendered conductive by a positive pulse at its base via resistor R-29.

Solenoid L-7 is energized by the Command Pulse appearing at point 21 through the normally conductive PNP transistor T-28; alternatively solenoid L-7 is energized by the same pulse through normally nonconducting NPN transistor T29 (rendered conductive by the lOth Frame Bias Voltage X). Transistor T-28 has its collector-emitter circuit connected between point 21 and R-29 and will be rendered nonconductive by the presence of Spare Bias Voltage J at its base via resistor R-44. Transistor T-29 has its collector-emitter connected between point 21 and R-29 and will be rendered conductive by the presence of 10th Frame Bias Voltage X at its base via resistor R-45.

The Command Pulse appearing at point energizes the print solenoid L-7 through normally nonconductive NPN transistor T-27 (rendered conductive by Spare Bias Voltage .I) in a time sequence that enables the peculiar scoring situation presented by'a spare bowled to be properly recorded. In this regard it should be noted that the Command Pulse appearing at point 15 occurs between the Pinfall Pulses occurring at points 13 and 14 (see Signal Transmitter Stage" circuit diagram, FIG. 6). The relationship of the Command Pulses appearing at points 15 and 21 relative to the action of the Print Section in the Counter-Printer Stage" will be described in the discussion of that stage. The transistor T27 has its collector-emitter circuit connected between point 15 and R-29 and will be rendered conductive by the presence of the Spare Bias Voltage J at its base via resistor R-43.

COUNTER-PRINTER STAGE Function The function of each of the 10 Counter-Printer Stages is to convert the scoring information received from the Player Computer Stage with which it is associated into a permanent progressive record of the bowling score, visible to the player as the game is played. The Counter-Printer Stage includes a counter-printer assembly which is comprised of four electromechanical sections (see FIG. 4), the Score Counter section, the Pinfall Counter section, the Frame Symbol Indicating section, and the Printer section. Thedetails of the assembly are shown in FIGS. 14-23. The assembly is generally indicated by the numeral 50 (see FIGS. 14-16). Looking now to FIGS. 14l6 the Score Counter section is indicated by the numeral 52, the Pinfall Counter section is indicated by the numeral 54, the Frame Symbol Indicating section is indicated by the numeral 56 and the Printer section is indicated by the numeral 58.

SCORE COUNTER SECTION Description The function of the Score Counter Section 52 is to register the total numerical bowling score during the progress of the game; this numerical score is equal to the number of pulses received by the score counter solenoid L-2 (see Count Circuit FIG. 12 and FIG. 16). As previously described the score counter solenoid L-2 is energized once for each of the Pinfall Pulses received from the Signal Transmitter Stage as controlled by the condition of switching transistors T-4 through T-12.

A standard bidirectional counter mechanism 60 having three score counter display wheels'60a, b and c is used to register the total bowling score as the game progresses. The numerical characters of the display wheels 60ac are raised to cause printing when impressed on a print ribbon 64 and a score tape 66 in a manner to be described. The sequential operation of the score counter section 60 is shown in FIG. 17. When score counter solenoid L-2 is energized, a score counter actuator arm 68 is pulled down toward solenoid L-2 against the force of a torsion spring shaft 70. The actuator arm 68 strikes a rotatably mounted score counter advance cam 72 rotating the cam 72 from its initial position (solid lines (17),

FIG. 17) against the counteracting force of a flat score counter advance spring 74. The advance cam 72 has a pair of diametrically opposed pins 76 which are engageable with teeth of an advance gear 78 which is secured to a score counter main shaft 80. As the advance cam 72 rotates one of the pins 76 engages the teeth of advance gear 78 causing it and the main shaft 80 to rotate (see dot-dashed lines of FIG. 17 showing positional sequence). The cam 72 and gear 78 are designed to obtain the desired angular travel (36") of the score counter main shaft 80 each time the cam 72 is rotated In operation, energization of solenoid L-2 causes actuator arm 68 to be pivoted with the tension spring shaft 70 into engagement with cam 72 pivoting cam 72 (through the dot-dot-dash position) and moving the advance spring 74 to a biasing position (into the dot-dash position); arm 68 moves cam 72 over center such that at the full end of the actuating stroke (dotdash position) the bias of spring 74 urges the cam 72 to complete its rotation; when solenoid L-2 is deenergized spring shaft 70 returns arm 68 to its original position and the bias of advance spring 74 completes the 180 rotation of the cam 72. The three score counter display wheels 60a, b, and c are supported on the main shaft 80 and are mechanically interconnected in a conventional manner by counter gears 84 and 86 mounted on a counter shaft 88 whereby each 36 advance of the advance gear 78 and hence each energization of the solenoid L-2 increases the registered count by one digit. The wheel 60c provides the ones counter, 60b the tens" and 60a the hundreds, and each revolution of 60c provides a 36 advance of 60b, etc. As will be noted later, the numerical count registered at any time, is in a position to be printed. Thus, the terms registered position" and print position" will be used synonymously. A detent spring 82 is used to engage the teeth of gear 78 to insure positive and accurate positioning of the score counter display wheels 60a, b, and c.

The score counter display wheels are reset by the reset motor M-2 (shown only in count diagram, FIG. 12) coupled to the score counter main shaft 80 by means known in the art,

.whereby upon energization the score counter display Wheels 600, b, and c are rotated back to 'zero. The contacts S401 (FIG. 12) of the start switch energize the reset motor M-2.

A score counter control knob 84 is attached to one end of the score counter main shaft 80. Ifa pinfall error should occur in the recorded score, the player may correct the score by rotating the control knob 84 in increments equal to the number of pins in error. The direction in which the control knob 84 is rotated determines whether pins are added or subtracted. The numbers in the score counter dial faceplate not only aid the player in making score corrections but also provides a visual indication of the last digit in a bowling score at any phase of the game.

PIN FALL COUNTER SECTION The function of the Pinfall Counter Section 54 is to register the pinfall information of the first ball bowled in a frame, i.e. strike, foul, or pinfall count. In addition this section determines the scoring information to be printed on each print cycle; the print cycle will be discussed in conjunction with the Printer Section.

The Pinfall Counter Section 54 utilizes a pinfall counter display wheel 90 of unique design and is shown in FIG. 18. Wheel 90 has a small diameter portion 92 which contains the strike symbol (X) and a larger diameter portion 94 which contains the foul symbol and the numerical characters one through nine (in that order). All the characters on this wheel are raised to facilitate printing in a manner to be described. A portion of the wheel 90 has a segment 96 cut away for clearance purposes. It is important to note that both the small and large diameter portions are greater in diameter than the score counter wheels (60a--c), for a purpose to be described in the Printer Section.

The mechanism used to actuate the pinfall counter display wheel 90 is similar to the actuator mechanism of the Score Counter Section 52 previously described and is shown in FIG. 20. As the pinfall counter actuator arm 100 is actuated by the pinfall counter solenoid L-3 (see Count Circuit FIG. 12) the advance gear 102 is rotated by one of a pair of diametrically opposed pins 104 OIIII'IE advance cam 106. This gear 102 and hence the pinfall wheel 90 coupled thereto is rotated one in-r crement for each pulse received by solenoid L-3 as the result of pulses at points l4, l6, l7 and 18. The gear 102 and pinfall wheel 90 are fixed to the pinfall counter main shaft 108 which is laterally offset relative to the score counter main shaft 80 for a purpose to be described in the discussion of the Printer Section. The advance spring 110 and detent spring 112 serve similar function'to springs 74 and 82, respectively of the pinfall actuator mechanism shown in FIG. 17. In the initial or unrotated position the pinfall wheel 90 has the cutaway portion 96 in the registered or print position. For clearance purposes, at this time, the strike symbol or small diameter portion 92 is removed two increments therefrom. Thus upon the occurrence of a strike the two Command Pulses at points 17 and 18 (see Count Circuit FIG. 12) will cause the pinfall counter wheel 90 to register the strike symbol (X).

Upon the occurrence of a foul a Command Pulse at point 16, in addition to Command Pulses at points 17 and 18, is transmitted to the solenoid L-3 advancing the foul symbol (F) on the large diameter portion of the pinfall counter wheel to the registered or print position.

Upon obtaining a pinfall other than a strike or a foul the Pinfall Pulses at point 14, as well as Command Pulses at points 16, 17 and 18 are transmitted to the solenoid L-3 to advance the proper numerical symbol to the registered or print position.

As described in the discussion of the Count Circuit (FIG. 12) solenoid L-3 will be energized only on the first ball bowled in a frame.

The pinfall wheel is reset in the following manner. When the pinfall counter reset solenoid L-4 is energized, the pinfall reset actuator arm 114 (coupled with solenoid L-4 in a manner similar to arm with solenoid L-3 and arm 68 with solenoid L-2) is pulled down toward solenoid L-4, against the force of a pinfall counter spring shaft 116. The actuator arm 114 in its actuated position moves the pinfall counter detent spring 112 away from the pinfall counter advance gear 102. This allows the bias of a pinfall counter reset spring 118, secured to the gear 102 and wheel 90 and the supporting housing thereof to return the display wheel 90 to its original position. A mechanical stop is provided to establish the reference or zero position of the pinfall wheel 90. The solenoid L-4 (see Count Circuit FIG. 12) is energized by the Command Pulse occurring at point 23 each time the signal transmitter is cycled; thus the pinfall wheel is returned to its initial position at the end of the cycle of the signal transmitter (FIG. 6) following the first ball bowled in a frame. As will be seen, the scoring information on pinfall wheel 90 is printed prior to the occurrence of Command Pulse 23.

FRAME SYMBOL INDICATOR SECTION The function of the Frame Symbol Indicator Section 56 is to register the scoring condition of a second ball bowled in a frame, i.e., spare, foul, or error (less than all pins knocked down).

The operation of the Frame Symbol Indicator Section 56 can best be seen in FIG. 21. The frame symbol display wheel 122 of this device is pie shaped or a sector of a circle pivotally supported on the pinfall main shaft 108 and is used to register an error a spare (l) or a foul (F) (oriented as shown in FIG. 22) as a result of the second ball bowled in a frame. The frame symbol display wheel 122 has a radius the same as that of the score counter wheels 60ac. A frame symbol centering spring 124 operates on opposite sides of the wheel 122 and maintains the frame symbol wheel in a position that registers the error symbol when both the spare solenoid L-S and the foul solenoid L-6 are deenergized. When spare solenoid L-5 is energized the display wheel 122 is rotated (pulled toward solenoid L-5) thus registering the spare symbol (l) on the frame symbol display wheel 122. Solenoid L-S is energized through a Strike-Spare Pulse occurring at point 19 as the result of a spare. The action of the foul solenoid L-6 is similar to that of the spare solenoid L-5 described above. Solenoid L-6 is energized by the Foul Signal transmitted to point 24 from the Detector Stage and rotates the wheel 122 until the foul symbol (F) is registered.

PRINTER SECTON The function of the Printer Section 58 is the following:

I. to print the score registered by the score counter display wheels 60a-c, the pinfall counter display wheel 90, and the frame symbol indicator wheel 122;

2. to advance the score tape 66;

3. to advance the print ribbon 64; and

4. to provide the tenth frame signal (X).

The Printer Section 58 includes three mechanisms:

1. the Print Mechanism (FIGS. 14-16),

2. the Score Tape Advance Mechanism (FIGS. 14-16 and 23); and

3. the Print Ribbon Advance Mechanism (FIGS. 1416).

The Print Mechanism is used to print scoring information registered by the score counter display wheels 60ac, the pinfall counter display wheel 90, and the frame symbol indicator wheel 122 and to provide the actuating force necessary for the Score Tape Advance Mechanism and the Print Ribbon Advance Mechanism. The Score Counter Section 52, Pinfall Counter Section 54, and Frame Symbol indicator Section 56 are mounted to a counter-printer carriage 126. The carriage 126 is designed to pivot about a counter-printer shaft 128 toward a stationary print backup pad 130 when solenoid L-7 is energized as the result of a Command Pulse appearing at points 14 or 21 (as explained in the Print Circuit discussion). The carriage 126 is returned to its original position by the force of the print solenoid return spring 132 when print solenoid L-7 is deenergized. The actuating force for the score tape advance mechanism and the print ribbon advance mechanism is provided by the force of the solenoid spring 132 in returning the carriage to its initial position.

The score counter display wheels 60ac and frame symbol display wheel 122, while located on separate shafts (80 and 108 respectively), are designed to simultaneously strike the backup pad 130 (see FIG. 21). The orientation of the resultant printed scoring information on the score tape 66 is illustrated in FIG. 24. The pinfall display wheel 90 is designed to control the total travel of the counter-printer carriage 126 (see FIG. 18) and thereby controls both the information recorded on the score tape 64 and the advancing of the score tape 66 and the print ribbon 64. As previously described in the Pinfall Counter Section 54, the pinfall counter wheel 90 has three separate portions capable of being located in the print position. With the cutaway portion 96 of the pinfall wheel 90 in the print position, the counter-printer carriage 126 upon actuation of print solenoid L-7 causes the score counter wheels 60a-c and the frame symbol wheel 122 to apply force against the backup pad 130. With the small diameter portion 92 of the pinfall wheel 90 in the print position, the counter-printer carriage 126 upon actuation of the solenoid L 7 causes the strike symbol on the small diameter portion 92 to apply force against the backup pad 130. Since the small diameter portion 92 is larger than both the count wheels 60ac and the frame symbol wheel 126, only the strike symbol will be printed. For the same reason, with the large diameter portion 94 of the pinfall wheel 90 in the print position, only the information on the pinfall wheel 90 will be printed. lt is important to note that the travel of the counter-printer carriage is considerably less with the large diameter portion of the pinfall wheel in the print position than with either the small diameter portion 92 or cutaway portion 96 in the print position. These differences in counter-printer carriage travel are utilized by the Score Tape Advance Mechanism in a manner to be described.

The Score Tape Advance Mechanism is used to advance the score tape 66 on a per frame basis and into a position such that the frame which has previously been printed is visible to the player. Referring now to FlGS. 14-16 and 23, a pair of score tape cylinders 134 and 136 frictionally engage and upon rotation advance the score tape 66 over the print backup pad 130. Fixed to the shaft 138 of the cylinder 136 is a score tape advance cam 140. A score tape pall 142 is pivotally fixed to the counter-printer carriage 126 to rotate in one direction only and engages the advance cam 140 as the counter-printer moves toward the backup pad 130 to perform the print operation. During this movement the pall 142 is pivoted about its support 144 against a fixed, flat return spring 146. The sequence of operation is shown in FIG. 23. Thus the score tape 66 will not move during the print operation. When the counter-printer carriage 126 has traveled a sufficient distance toward the print backup pad 130, the score tape pall 142 will be pivoted and moved beyond the end of the advance cam I40 and spring 146 will return pall 142 to its original position. Since the score tape pall 142 (by engagement with a stop shoulder 148) cannot pivot in the opposite direction, the advance cam 140 will be rotated by the pall 142 on the return stroke of the carriage 126. The required distance for advancing the tape 66 is traveled by the counter-printer carriage 126 only when the cutaway portion 96 or the small diameter portion 92 (strike symbol) of the pinfall counter wheel 90 is in the print position. The sequence of operations of the Score Tape Advance Mechanism is shown in FIG. 23. ln the start position the components of the advance mechanism are shown in solid lines; this indicates the position prior to movement of carriage 126. Next is shown the travel of the counter-printer carriage 126 to a nonadvance position as limited by the large diameter portion 94 of the pinfall counter wheel 90. Note in this posi-' tion the score tape pall 142 is not moved beyond the advance cam 140 and hence the score tape 66 will not be advanced for this print operation. Thus on the printing of first ball information (other than a strike), the score tape 66 will not be advanced. The counter-printer carriage 126 can move to tape advance positions one and two at which the tape 66 will be advanced (shown in dot-dash lines). The carriage 126 will move to the number two position when the cutaway portion 96 of the pinfall counter wheel is in the print position. Upon the return stroke of the counter-printer carriage 126, the pall 142 will rotate the advance cam 140, advancing the score tape 66. Note that upon the return stroke, when the pall 146 has rotated the advance cam approximately 90, the force of an advance spring 150 at this point causes the advance cam 140 to complete l 80 of rotation (similar to the action of spring 74 and cam 72 and spring and cam 106). The diameter of the score tape cylinders 134 and 136 is such as to advance the score tape 66 one frame for 180 of rotation.

The counter-printer carriage 126 will move to the advance position number one when the small diameter portion 92 (strike symbol) of the pinfall counter wheel 90 is in the print position. With the carriage 126 moved to the advance position number one, the advance cam will be rotated by the pall 142 on the return stroke to advance the score tape 66.

The Print Ribbon Advance Mechanism is used to advance the print ribbon 64 over the score tape 66 as it passes over the print backup pad 130. The Print Ribbon Advance Mechanism employs a pall 152 and pall spring 154 combination similar to that used in the Score Tape Advance Mechanism. The print ribbon advance pall 142 is pivotally mounted on a support 156 to the linkage of the print solenoid. When the print solenoid L-7 linkage travels toward the print backup pad 130, the pall 152 pivots away from a toothed ribbon advance gear 158 which is ratcheted to a shaft 160 supporting the ribbon takeup spool 162. As the solenoid linkage returns to its normal position, the pall 152 engages the ribbon advance gear 158, causing it to rotate and in turn causing the ribbon takeup spool to rotate whereby the ribbon 64 is removed from the ribbon feed spool 164 and passed over the score tape 66 and over the backup pad 130.

As explained in the Frame Circuit description of the Player Computer stage," the Tenth Frame Bias Voltage X is required after the lOth frame has been bowled out before the additional ball or balls are bowled. The score tape illustrated in FIG. 24, is provided with a slot 166 in the'tape at a point easily related to the 10th frame. A leaf spring-type switch 8-43 is mounted in such a way that its contacts 168 are normally separated by the score tape. When the 10th frame has been bowled and the score tape advances, the switch contacts close through the slot 166 on the score tape 66 to provide the Tenth Frame Bias Voltage X.

COUNTER-PRINTER STAGE SUMMARY Note that the system of the present invention including the Counter-Printer Stage is actuated by the associated apparatus and circuitry provides a means for automatically tabulating the bowling score information. The Counter-Printer provides a per frame indication of the bowling score and by printing the information noted above on the tape 66 records and retains this indication for each frame whereby the score accumulated in each frame will be preserved and can be obtained. The information printed on tape 66 will provide a permanent record whereby the score can be reconstructed at any stage of the game; in this regard note that no electronic storage need be "resorted in order to obtain score reconstruction; thus electronic power interruption, etc. will not result in loss of the score record. In addition the score counter wheels 60ac will 

1. A system for automatically tabulating bowling information comprising pinfall indicating means for providing a signal having a magnitude in accordance with the total number of pins knocked down during the course of one frame and after each ball bowled in that frame, totalizing circuit means connected with said pinfall indicating means to receive pinfall information for accumulating a score in accordance with pinfall information, and foul detecting means providing a foul signal responsively to the commission of a foul for effecting the pinfall information received by said totalizing circuit means such that said accumulation in said totalizing circuit means is of the proper bowling score attained, said system including memory means for providing a first ball signal having a magnitude in accordance with the total number of pins knocked down by the first ball in that frame and means for connecting said memory means to said totalizing circuit means in response to said foul signal occurring on the second ball bowled in a frame for accumulating only first ball pinfall information; said memory means including a controlled rectifier for each pin being settable to a conductive state in accordance with the standing or fallen condition of the respective pin, said conductive condition being retained for use by said totalizing circuit in response to said foul signal occurring on the second ball bowled in a frame; said pinfall indicating means including a switch means for each pin for indicating said pin condition; and a source of electrical current connectable to said switch means, said switch means being adapted to deliver said source of electrical current to said controlled rectifiers so as to establish the conductive state thereof according to said pin condition when said switch means is connected to said source, said foul detecting means signal being operative to prevent the connection of said source of electrical currenT to said switch means to prevent said change in conductive state of said controlled rectifiers in response to said foul signal occurring on the second ball bowled in a frame.
 2. The system of claim 1 including plurality of signal generators.
 3. The system of claim 1, with said totalizing circuit means comprising counter-printer means for providing a printed output of the score.
 4. The system of claim 3 in which said printed output comprises an individual score tape for each player.
 5. The system of claim 3 in which said printed output comprises a score tape with said counter-printer means having means for printing an indication of the score attained by the first ball bowled in a frame.
 6. The system of claim 5 with said counter-printer means having symbol means for printing the occurrence of a spare.
 7. The system of claim 3 in which said printed output comprises a score tape with said counter-printer means having first ball means for printing the score attained by the first ball bowled in a frame and having symbol means for printing symbols indicating the occurrence of a spare or strike.
 8. The system of claim 7 with said symbol means printing symbols indicating the occurrence of a foul or an error.
 9. The system of claim 3 in which said printed output comprises a score tape with said counter-printer means comprising means including a plurality of print wheels for recording and printing the total score attained after each ball bowled in a frame and means including a first ball score wheel for recording and printing an indication of the total score attained on the first ball, said first ball score wheel having a plurality of print positions and at least one nonprint position and means for preventing said print wheels from printing when said first ball score wheel is in said print positions.
 10. The system of claim 9 with said counter-printer means comprising symbol wheel means including a symbol wheel for printing an indication of the occurrence of a spare.
 11. The system of claim 10 with said first ball score wheel providing an indication of a foul or a strike on the first ball bowled in a frame and with said symbol wheel providing an indication of a foul or an error on the second ball bowled in a frame.
 12. The system of claim 9 including indexing means for indexing said score tape with said first ball score wheel in said nonprint position and in at least one of said print positions.
 13. The system of claim 12 with said first ball score wheel providing an indication of the numerical score attained or the occurrence of a strike on the first ball bowled and with said indexing means indexing said score tape with said first ball score wheel in the strike indicating position and being responsive to said first ball score wheel in the numerical indicating position for not indexing said score tape.
 14. The system of claim 12 including 10th frame signal means for providing a 10th frame signal indicating that the game is in the tenth frame, said 10th frame signal means including indicating means on said score tape.
 15. The system of claim 1 with said pinfall indicating means comprising means having a first condition for receiving and retaining the pinfall for the first and second balls bowled in a frame and a second condition in response to said foul signal occurring on the second ball bowled for not receiving the pinfall for the second ball and retaining the pinfall from the first ball.
 16. The system of claim 15 with said pinfall indicating means comprising no more than one set of 10 controlled conduction devices.
 17. A system for automatically tabulating bowling information for a plurality of bowlers comprising: pinfall indicating means for providing a first signal having a magnitude in accordance with the number of pins knocked down during the course of one frame and after each ball bowled in that frame and a second signal having a magnitude in accordance with the number of pins knocked doWn on the first ball thrown in a frame; three generator means each operatively connected with said pinfall indicating means and providing a first output signal having a magnitude in accordance with the magnitude of said first signal from said pinfall indicating means and a second output signal having a magnitude in accordance with the magnitude of said second signal and with each said first output signal having the same magnitude and said second output signal having the same magnitude, said three generator means being disposed in a time-phased relationship such that said each said first output signal and said each said second output signal therefrom is provided sequentially; counter-printer means for providing an indication for each of the plurality of bowlers responsively to each of said first and said second output signals received from selected ones of said three generator means; foul detecting means providing a foul signal responsively to the commission of a foul by any of the plurality of bowlers; computer means individual to each of the plurality of bowlers, and operatively connected with said counter-printer means, said foul detecting means, and operatively connected with a first of said strike generator means for transmitting, upon actuation, to said counter-printer circuit means from said first generator means under the following condition: said first output signal from said first generator means after two strikes or more in sequence by that one of the plurality of bowlers with which said computer means is individual, and operatively connected with a second of said generator means for transmitting, upon actuation, to said counter-printer circuit means from said second generator means under the following conditions: (1) said first output signal from said second generator means after the second ball thrown succeeding a strike if the first ball thrown after said strike is not a strike, (2) if a strike has been registered, said first output signal from said second generator means on the very next ball thrown if a strike is registered on said next ball, and (3) said first output signal from said second generator means occurring on the very next ball thrown after a spare, and operatively connected with a third of said generator means for transmitting, upon actuation, to said counter-printer means under the following conditions: (1) said first output signal occurring on the first ball thrown in a frame if a strike is obtained on said first ball, and (2) said first output signal occurring after the second ball in a frame, and operatively connected with said second generator means for transmitting said second output signal from said second generator means in place of said first output signal from said second generator means in response to said foul signal from said foul detecting means occurring on the second ball thrown in a frame, and operatively connected with said third generator means for transmitting said second output signal from said third generator means in place of said first output signal from said third generator means in response to said foul signal from said foul detecting means occurring on the second ball thrown in a frame; said computer means including means preventing the transmission of any of said first and said second output signals from said three generator means in response to said foul signal from said foul detecting means occurring on a first ball thrown in a frame, and means for providing a frame signal responsively to the completion of a frame by that bowler with whom said computer means is individual; means for actuating said computer means after each ball thrown; plater selector means selectively actuable for connecting a selected one of said computer means to said three signal generator means.
 18. The system of claim 17 with said counter-printer means comprising: means for providing a printed output of the score, said printed output comprising an individual score tape for each player, a plurality of print wheeLs for recording and printing the total score attained after each ball bowled in a frame and means including a first ball score wheel for recording and printing an indication of the total score attained on the first ball, said first ball score wheel having a plurality of print positions and at least one nonprint position and means for preventing said print wheels from printing when said first ball score wheel is in said print positions, said first ball score wheel providing an indication of a foul or a strike on the first ball bowled in a frame, symbol wheel means including a symbol wheel for providing an indication of a spare, foul or an error on the second ball bowled in a frame, and indexing means for indexing said score tape with said first ball score wheel in said nonprint position and in at least one of said print positions.
 19. The system of claim 18 with said first ball score wheel having a strike symbol, foul symbol and numerical symbols 1 through 9 on a portion thereof with the strike, foul and numerical symbols being in said print positions to be printed on said score tape with the strike symbol being radially offset from the foul and numerical symbols and with said symbol wheel containing a foul symbol, spare symbol, and an error symbol, said symbol wheel being supported to print with said print wheels.
 20. The system of claim 19 including signal transmitting means comprising said three generator means and further comprising means for providing a plurality of command pulses after each ball, each said computer means responsive to said command pulses to provide a print signal causing said counter-printer means to print, a strike signal to index the strike symbol on said first ball score wheel into a print position, a spare signal to index the spare symbol on said symbol wheel into a print position, a first ball foul signal to index the foul symbol on said first ball score wheel into the print position and a second ball foul signal to index the foul symbol on said symbol wheel into the print position.
 21. A system for automatically tabulating bowling information comprising pinfall indicating means for providing a signal having a magnitude in accordance with the total number of pins knocked down during the course of one frame and after each ball bowled in that frame, totalizing circuit means connected with said pinfall indicating means to receive pinfall information for accumulating a score in accordance with pinfall information, and foul detecting means providing a foul signal responsively to the commission of a foul for effecting the pinfall information received by said totalizing circuit means such that said accumulation in said totalizing circuit means is of the proper bowling score attained, said system including memory means for providing a first ball signal having a magnitude in accordance with the total number of pins knocked down by the first ball in that frame to said totalizing circuit means in response to said foul signal occurring on the second ball bowled in a frame for accumulating only first ball pinfall information; said memory means including at least one controlled rectifier being settable to a conductive state in accordance with the standing or fallen condition of at least one pin, said conductive condition being retained for use by said totalizing circuit in response to said foul signal occurring on the second ball bowled in a frame: said pinfall indicating means including switch means including a switch for each pin for indicating said pin condition, a source of electrical current connectable to said switch means, said switch means being adapted to deliver said source of electrical current to said controlled rectifier according to the pin condition of at least one pin, said foul detecting means signal being operative to prevent said source of electrical current from changing the conductive state of said controlled rectifier in response to said foul signal occurring on the second ball bowled in a frame, said totalizing circuit means iNcluding at least one controlled rectifier having a control terminal and an additional pair of terminals, the conductive state between said additional pair of terminals being determined by the bias level at said control terminal, at least one of said terminals being connected in a manner to receive an output signal and to control the accumulation of the score attained in each frame in accordance with said conductive state of said controlled rectifier, said controlled rectifier being maintainable in a conductive state for accumulation of said score, said totalizing circuit means further including means for recording and retaining said indication for each frame whereby the score accumulated in each frame will be preserved and can be obtained, and means responsive to said signal from said pinfall indicating means for providing said output signal to said one terminal of said controlled rectifier.
 22. A system for automatically tabulating bowling information according to claim 21 wherein said means providing said output signal to said totalizing circuit means provides a plurality of pulses in accordance with said pinfall indication, wherein said signal from said pinfall indicating means controls the conductive state of said controlled rectifier, said conductive state determining the transmission of said pulses, and wherein said totalizing circuit means includes a counter-printer receiving transmitted pulses for counting said pulses to accumulate said score in each frame and for printing said score in each frame.
 23. A system for automatically tabulating bowling information according to claim 22 including at least three of said controlled rectifiers for controlling the transmission of said pulses, a first of said controlled rectifiers for transmitting said pulses in accordance with the occurrence of a strike, a second of said controlled rectifiers for transmitting said pulses in accordance with the occurrence of a spare, and third of said controlled rectifiers for transmitting said pulses in accordance with the occurrence of a pinfall less than the full number of pins in each frame.
 24. The system of claim 21 for tabulating bowling information for a plurality of players with said totalizing circuit means including independent and separate counter means for each of the players for recording and retaining for each frame said indication for that frame in accordance with the bowling score whereby the score accumulated in each frame can be obtained. 